Yokohama’s Sea Paradise: Witness Two Baby Spotted Seals Together — A First-Time Event!

At the 'Fureai Lagoon' aquarium in Yokohama’s Sea Paradise, the first baby spotted seal was born on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, followed by the second pup at 9:47 PM on Tuesday, June 16.

The baby born on June 16 was delivered by mother seal 'Uni'. Both baby spotted seals currently reside together at Fin-Leg Beach within the Fureai Lagoon, where visitors can observe them swimming energetically beside their mothers and witness heartwarming parent-child interactions in this designated area.

This is the first time at Sea Paradise that two mother-pup pairs have been viewable together in the same zone, offering a unique opportunity to witness rare behaviors such as underwater nursing — available only for a limited period.

The animal care team will continue to monitor and support the healthy growth of these two adorable pups, full of charming expressions and endearing movements.

Baby born on June 9

Baby born on June 16

Baby spotted seal born at Fureai Lagoon

The two mother-pup pairs living at the Fureai Lagoon aquarium are publicly displayed at Fin-Leg Beach, accessible to all visitors. Caretakers closely observe their behavior, including nursing frequency and swimming patterns, to ensure they are developing healthily.

About the Spotted Seal

The spotted seal (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri) inhabits the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Cape Erimo, the Kuril Islands, and the Aleutian Islands, making it the only seal species that permanently resides along Japan’s coastal waters. Its Japanese name, 'Zeni-gata Azarashi' (literally 'coin-patterned seal'), comes from the distinctive pockmarked patterns on its body that resemble old Japanese coins.

Spotted seals give birth on rocky shores, so the white lanugo (natal fur) sheds while still in the womb, resulting in pups being born with the same coloration as adults. Unlike other seal species born with white fur, spotted seal pups begin swimming immediately after birth, and nursing occurs not only on land but also underwater.

Visitors to the Fureai Lagoon can observe these two newborn pups, born with the characteristic coin-patterned fur, and — if timing aligns — even witness both mother-pup pairs nursing simultaneously.